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November 30, 2017

While
a novena
is normally a nine-day [or nine hour] prayer, the term sometimes is
used for any
prayer that is repeated over a series of days. The Saint Andrew
Christmas Novena is often called simply the "Christmas Novena" or the
"Christmas Anticipation Prayer," because it is prayed 15 times every day (we pray five [5] each at breakfast, lunch, and supper)
from the Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle (November 30th) until
Christmas. The First Sunday of Advent always is the Sunday closest to the Feast
of Saint Andrew.

The novena is not actually addressed to Saint Andrew, but to God
Himself, asking Him to grant our request in the honor of the birth of
His Son at Christmas. You can say the prayer all 15 times, all at once,
or divide up the recitation as necessary (perhaps five times at each
meal).

Prayed
as a family, the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena is a very good way to
help focus the attention of your children on the Advent season.

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was
born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in
piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and
grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of
His Blessed Mother. Amen.

July 2, 2017

July 2, 1776 - The Continental Congress votes for independence, passing a
resolution offered by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia: "Resolved, That
these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and
independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the
British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the
State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved."

June 22, 2017

O Lord Jesus Christ, to Thy Most Sacred Heart I confide this intention (mention your request).
Only look upon me, then do what Thy Heart inspires.

Let Thy Sacred Heart decide.

I count on Thee.
I trust in Thee.
I throw myself on Thy Mercy, Lord Jesus!
Thou wilt not fail me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy Love for me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy Kingdom come.

O
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked Thee for many favors, but I
earnestly implore this one. Take it, place it in Thy open, broken
Heart, and when the Eternal Father looks upon it, covered with Thy
Precious Blood, He will not refuse it. It will no longer be my prayer,
but Thine, O Jesus.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee.
Let me never be confounded.

June 21, 2017

O Lord Jesus Christ, to Thy Most Sacred Heart I confide this intention (mention your request).
Only look upon me, then do what Thy Heart inspires.

Let Thy Sacred Heart decide.

I count on Thee.
I trust in Thee.
I throw myself on Thy Mercy, Lord Jesus!
Thou wilt not fail me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy Love for me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy Kingdom come.

O
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked Thee for many favors, but I
earnestly implore this one. Take it, place it in Thy open, broken
Heart, and when the Eternal Father looks upon it, covered with Thy
Precious Blood, He will not refuse it. It will no longer be my prayer,
but Thine, O Jesus.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee.
Let me never be confounded.

June 20, 2017

O Lord Jesus Christ, to Thy Most Sacred Heart I confide this intention (mention your request).
Only look upon me, then do what Thy Heart inspires.

Let Thy Sacred Heart decide.

I count on Thee.
I trust in Thee.
I throw myself on Thy Mercy, Lord Jesus!
Thou wilt not fail me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy Love for me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy Kingdom come.

O
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked Thee for many favors, but I
earnestly implore this one. Take it, place it in Thy open, broken
Heart, and when the Eternal Father looks upon it, covered with Thy
Precious Blood, He will not refuse it. It will no longer be my prayer,
but Thine, O Jesus.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee.
Let me never be confounded.

June 19, 2017

O Lord Jesus Christ, to Thy Most Sacred Heart I confide this intention (mention your request).
Only look upon me, then do what Thy Heart inspires.

Let Thy Sacred Heart decide.

I count on Thee.
I trust in Thee.
I throw myself on Thy Mercy, Lord Jesus!
Thou wilt not fail me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy Love for me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy Kingdom come.

O
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked Thee for many favors, but I
earnestly implore this one. Take it, place it in Thy open, broken
Heart, and when the Eternal Father looks upon it, covered with Thy
Precious Blood, He will not refuse it. It will no longer be my prayer,
but Thine, O Jesus.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee.
Let me never be confounded.

June 18, 2017

O Lord Jesus Christ, to Thy Most Sacred Heart I confide this intention (mention your request).
Only look upon me, then do what Thy Heart inspires.

Let Thy Sacred Heart decide.

I count on Thee.
I trust in Thee.
I throw myself on Thy Mercy, Lord Jesus!
Thou wilt not fail me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy Love for me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy Kingdom come.

O
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked Thee for many favors, but I
earnestly implore this one. Take it, place it in Thy open, broken
Heart, and when the Eternal Father looks upon it, covered with Thy
Precious Blood, He will not refuse it. It will no longer be my prayer,
but Thine, O Jesus.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee.
Let me never be confounded.

June 17, 2017

O Lord Jesus Christ, to Thy Most Sacred Heart I confide this intention (mention your request).
Only look upon me, then do what Thy Heart inspires.

Let Thy Sacred Heart decide.

I count on Thee.
I trust in Thee.
I throw myself on Thy Mercy, Lord Jesus!
Thou wilt not fail me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy Love for me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy Kingdom come.

O
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked Thee for many favors, but I
earnestly implore this one. Take it, place it in Thy open, broken
Heart, and when the Eternal Father looks upon it, covered with Thy
Precious Blood, He will not refuse it. It will no longer be my prayer,
but Thine, O Jesus.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee.
Let me never be confounded.

June 16, 2017

O Lord Jesus Christ, to Thy Most Sacred Heart I confide this intention (mention your request).
Only look upon me, then do what Thy Heart inspires.

Let Thy Sacred Heart decide.

I count on Thee.
I trust in Thee.
I throw myself on Thy Mercy, Lord Jesus!
Thou wilt not fail me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy Love for me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy Kingdom come.

O
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked Thee for many favors, but I
earnestly implore this one. Take it, place it in Thy open, broken
Heart, and when the Eternal Father looks upon it, covered with Thy
Precious Blood, He will not refuse it. It will no longer be my prayer,
but Thine, O Jesus.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee.
Let me never be confounded.

O Lord Jesus Christ, to Thy Most Sacred Heart I confide this intention (mention your request).
Only look upon me, then do what Thy Heart inspires.

Let Thy Sacred Heart decide.

I count on Thee.
I trust in Thee.
I throw myself on Thy Mercy, Lord Jesus!
Thou wilt not fail me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy Love for me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy Kingdom come.

O
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked Thee for many favors, but I
earnestly implore this one. Take it, place it in Thy open, broken
Heart, and when the Eternal Father looks upon it, covered with Thy
Precious Blood, He will not refuse it. It will no longer be my prayer,
but Thine, O Jesus.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee.
Let me never be confounded.

June 14, 2017

O Lord Jesus Christ, to Thy Most Sacred Heart I confide this intention (mention your request).
Only look upon me, then do what Thy Heart inspires.

Let Thy Sacred Heart decide.

I count on Thee.
I trust in Thee.
I throw myself on Thy Mercy, Lord Jesus!
Thou wilt not fail me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy Love for me.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy Kingdom come.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked Thee for many favors, but I earnestly implore this one. Take it, place it in Thy open, broken Heart, and when the Eternal Father looks upon it, covered with Thy Precious Blood, He will not refuse it. It will no longer be my prayer, but Thine, O Jesus.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in Thee.
Let me never be confounded.

June 13, 2017

Tomorrow (June 14th), you can begin a Novena to the Sacred Heart, the understanding and image of which was revealed to a Visitation nun, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque.

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque was born a cripple in France in 1647. She was cured miraculously by the Blessed Virgin Mary and, in thanksgiving, promised to give her life in service to God.

When St. Margaret Mary was seventeen, Jesus
appeared to her as He was just after being scourged. She
immediately entered the Order of the Visitation.
St. Margaret Mary loved our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament very much, and later was shown His Sacred Heart in four visions. His heart is surrounded by flames, which represent His burning love for us and His desire to be loved in return. The crown of thorns remind us of His ultimate sacrifice for our sins.Jesus revealed to St. Margaret Mary twelve promises of ways in which He would help those
who honor His Sacred Heart. He said to her: "Look at this Heart which has loved people so much,
and yet they do not want to love Me in return. Through you My Divine
Heart wishes to spread its love everywhere on earth."
St. Margaret Mary died in 1690. Her Feast Day is October 16th.

The 12 PROMISES for THOSE DEVOTED to the SACRED HEART:

1. I WILL GIVE THEM ALL THE GRACES
NECESSARY FOR THEIR STATE OF LIFE.2. I WILL GIVE PEACE IN THEIR FAMILIES.3. I WILL CONSOLE THEM IN ALL THEIR
TROUBLES.4. THEY SHALL FIND IN MY HEART AN
ASSURED REFUGE DURING LIFE AND ESPECIALLY AT THE HOUR OF DEATH.5. I WILL POUR ABUNDANT BLESSINGS
ON ALL THEIR UNDERTAKINGS.6. SINNERS SHALL FIND IN MY HEART
THE SOURCE AND INFINITE OCEAN OF MERCY.7. TEPID SOULS SHALL BECOME FERVENT.8. FERVENT SOULS SHALL SPEEDILY
RISE TO GREAT PERFECTION.9. I WILL BLESS THE HOMES IN WHICH
THE IMAGE OF MY SACRED HEART SHALL BE EXPOSED AND HONORED.10. I WILL GIVE TO PRIESTS THE POWER
TO TOUCH THE MOST HARDENED HEARTS.11. THOSE WHO PROPAGATE THIS
DEVOTION SHALL HAVE THEIR NAME WRITTEN IN MY HEART, AND IT SHALL NEVER
BE EFFACED.12. I PROMISE THEE IN THE EXCESS
OF THE MERCY OF MY HEART, THAT ITS ALL-POWERFUL LOVE WILL GRANT TO
ALL THOSE WHO SHALL RECEIVE COMMUNION ON THE FIRST FRIDAY OF NINE CONSECUTIVE
MONTHS THE GRACE OF FINAL REPENTANCE; THEY SHALL NOT DIE UNDER MY DISPLEASURE,
NOR WITHOUT RECEIVING THE SACRAMENTS; MY HEART SHALL BE THEIR ASSURED REFUGE
AT THAT LAST HOUR.

March 19, 2017

To say that St. Patrick's Day is a high feast day in Savannah would be the understatement of the century! It becomes The Emerald City, literally dying its multitude of fountains green and swathing every front porch in the Irish flag.

Do you know what the colors of the Irish flag represent? The green represents the Catholics, the orange the Protestants, and the white the hoped-for peace between them.

(....I know. Keep praying!)

Today, however, good St. Joseph is not to be ignored. For all you Italians out there -- or just you humble daughters of the foster father of our Lord -- here are some crafty ideas for celebrating this important feast day from Catholic Icing.

Additionally, here is a really lovely, simple, paper "St. Joseph's Altar", courtesy of Evann Duplantier, for your family to construct. Evann also has a lovely page full of menu choices, where you may enjoy everything from inspirational photos of other St. Joseph's Day altars to a super easy (and yummy!) edible craft.

Oh? You've never heard of a St. Joseph's Day altar? Oh, my dear, do let me tell you!

St. Joseph's Altars may be as humble or elaborate as you like, but I encourage you to enjoy this lively Italian tradition in your home. From red wine to seafood to donuts, it's worth consecrating your edibles to the man who was the Provider for the Holy Family.

Our parish deacon reminded us one Christmas that, although St. Joseph figures prominently in Jesus's early life in the Bible, St. Joseph never says a word. Not one syllable. How many of us could be counted upon to hear the Lord, follow His instructions, trust in His ways, and serve Him as He wishes, without ever saying a word?

Not me.

Yet St. Joseph gives us all the perfect example of "silent strength." If you want to raise up a mentor for your spouse, a hero for your sons, a good example for your fathers, or a model husband for your daughters, "it ad Joseph." Go To Joseph!

And that's an order straight from the top:

"St. Pope John XXIII,
who succeeded Pius XII in 1958, added some new feasts and made some
other changes to the liturgical calendar, as well as amending some of
the rubrics. In his 1962 edition of the Missal, he also deleted the word 'perfidis' (Latin: 'faithless') from the Good Friday prayer for the Jews, and added the name of St. Joseph to the Canon of the Mass. The second change was particularly significant, as many had considered the text of the Canon to be practically untouchable." (underlined emphasis added)

Prior to Vatican II, Eucharistic Prayer I was the only Canon used by the Church. And it hadn't been touched for over 1,000 years.

Tales by the camp fire from that Council have it that an elderly priest originally made the humble suggestion to add St. Joseph to the Mass. He was scoffed at by Vatican hierarchy, only to be vindicated when Pope John XXIII approved the addition the very next day.

March 15, 2017

Tomorrow marks the feast of this great Irish saint and to celebrate here's my favorite recipe for good ole fashioned "Irish Soda Bread" (of which there would be no "soda" without the visit to Ireland of two Americans, Mr. Arm and Mr. Hammer!). It's my favorite because it's won out over many other failures through the years!

I cut this recipe out of a magazine years ago, but unfortunately did not cut out the magazine's name. So, if anyone recognizes this exact recipe, please let me know so I may ascribe proper credit. Enjoy!

March 14, 2017

Here's an easy little craft to get you and your children in the right frame of mind for St. Patrick's Day! The traditional image of a rainbow leading to a pot o' gold can be endowed with Christian meaning, a la St. Patrick's use of Ireland's native three-leafed shamrock to explain to the pagans there the Christian concept of three Divine Persons in the one God of the Most Holy Trinity.

Make a simple, rainbow-hued, paper chain and a black pot with gold coins from construction paper or sturdy card stock. Remember, however, what the Bible tells us about treasure:

"Do not store up store up for yourselves treasures on Earth...but, store up treasures in Heaven...for where your treasure is, there will your heart also be!" (Matthew 6:19-21)

Therefore, on each link of the paper chain, write one of your spiritual "treasures"in life. For this example, I chose these:

FAITH
FAMILY
PARENTS
FRIENDS
HEALTH
LAUGHTER

For another example, one of my children made one for an aunt and put each of our family member's names on a link. The possibilities are endless and as unique to each of your children!

Now, go have fun with scissors!

And remember why anyone is a saint or striving to be a saint -- because God made us ALL to know, love, and serve Him in this world and to be happy with Him forever in Heaven. And THAT's where we should store up our treasures!

February 9, 2017

I highly recommend this book, The Weight of a Mass, by Josephine Nobisso!

It is derived from a *TRUE* story that actually occurred in a butcher's shop and was witnessed and recounted by the father of Father Stanislaus, SS. CC. of Luxembourg. As a result of witnessing this exchange, Father Stanislaus's father began to attend daily Mass.... and his son (Father Stanislaus!) became a priest!

Josephine Nobisso is from the Bronx, NY and homeschooled her daughter from 5th grade through high school. She is the author of many meritorious children's books, including
Take It to the Queen: A Tale of Hope.

ST. ANTHONY, Help Me Find...

.

I'm a Catholic homeschooling wife and mother of six Lilliputians, the eldest of whom is adopted with severe special needs. We seek to know, love, and serve God in this world and be happy with Him forever in Heaven. C'mon along, y'all! When I'm not sitting with my feet up at the beach eating bon-bons, I create rosary wrap bracelets. The rosary is the only bracelet you'll ever need! Shop for yourself or a faith-friend at AveMomma.com today!

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Morning Offering

Oh my God, in union with the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer Thee the Precious Blood of Jesus from all the altars throughout the world, joining with it the offering of my every thought, word, and action of this day.

Oh my Jesus, I desire today to gain every indulgence and merit I can and I offer them, together with myself, to Mary Immaculate, that she may best apply them to the interests of Thy Sacred Heart. Precious Blood of Jesus, save us! Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us! Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!

TODAY's TINY THOUGHT: Remember in homeschooling, not every day will be perfect, but every day will be blessed!

FATHER JOHN HARDON, S.J.:"Catholic homeschooling is the planned and organized teaching and training of children at home, for their peaceful and effective life in this world, and for their eternal salvation in the world to come."

TODAY'S DIVINE OFFICE

Click the books to pray today's readings for the Divine Office, the Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayers of the Church which consecrate our every hour in every circumstance to "prayer without ceasing."

Catholic Homeschooling

Catechism of the Catholic Church:

2221 The role of parents in education is of such importance that it is almost impossible to provide an adequate substitute. The right and the duty of parents to educate their children are primordial and inalienable.

2222 Parents must regard their children as children of God and respect them as human persons. Showing themselves obedient to the will of the Father in heaven, they educate their children to fulfill God's law.

2223 Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule. The home is well suited for education in the virtues.

2229 As those first responsible for the education of their children, parents have the right to choose a school for them which corresponds to their own convictions. This right is fundamental.